MWE Correspondent
Uganda has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo with immediate effect following a worsening Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain, as health authorities race to contain the spread of infections across the region.
Ugandan officials announced the emergency measure after a sharp increase in suspected Ebola cases in eastern Congo, where infections are now approaching 1,000 according to regional health monitoring reports. The move comes amid growing fears that cross-border transmission could intensify, particularly among health workers and communities living along the porous frontier shared by the two countries.
The Ministry of Health in Uganda said only emergency crossings would now be allowed, specifically for medical response teams, cargo transport, and security operations considered essential. Authorities also confirmed that anyone entering Uganda from Congo under approved circumstances would be subject to mandatory 21-day isolation measures to reduce the risk of further transmission.
The outbreak, officially declared on May 15, has already triggered alarm across East and Central Africa due to the unusual nature of the Bundibugyo strain, a less common but dangerous form of the Ebola virus. Health officials say the situation has become especially concerning because several Ugandan healthcare workers were reportedly exposed before authorities formally confirmed the outbreak.
According to Congolese health authorities, at least 101 Ebola cases have now been officially confirmed, while more than 3,000 contacts are under investigation. Officials also report at least 220 suspected deaths linked to the outbreak, though verification efforts remain ongoing in conflict-affected areas where access is difficult.
Uganda has recorded seven confirmed cases so far, including one fatality in Kampala. Authorities say infections and exposure risks are rising among frontline health workers and their families, increasing pressure on already strained medical systems.
The World Health Organization has cautioned against widespread border closures, warning that such restrictions could unintentionally drive people to use unofficial crossing routes that are harder to monitor and control. The WHO argues that coordinated surveillance and community engagement may be more effective than complete movement bans in limiting the spread of the virus.
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Despite those concerns, Ugandan authorities insist the temporary border closure is necessary to protect public health while containment efforts continue. Security agencies have also increased patrols along several crossing points to discourage unauthorized movement.
Health responders working in eastern Congo continue to face major challenges, including insecurity caused by armed conflict, shortages of medical supplies, and resistance from some communities suspicious of health interventions. Aid organizations say ongoing violence in parts of the region has severely complicated efforts to trace contacts, conduct testing, and distribute protective equipment.
The WHO has called for an immediate ceasefire in conflict-affected zones to allow humanitarian workers safe access to affected communities. International aid agencies warn that shortages of funding, protective gear, and laboratory resources are slowing response operations at a critical stage of the outbreak.
Medical experts say the Bundibugyo strain can spread rapidly through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, making early detection and strict isolation measures essential for containment. Symptoms often include fever, fatigue, vomiting, and internal bleeding in severe cases.
Regional governments are now intensifying surveillance at airports, hospitals, and border points amid fears that the outbreak could spread further if not brought under control quickly..
